Scottish Regulators Forum minutes: May 2026

Attendees and apologies

NatureScot
Food Standards Scotland
SCOTSS
AiB
Care Inspectorate
Healthcare Improvement Scotland
Scottish Charity Regulator
Scottish Housing Regulator
SEPA
SOCOEH
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
Scottish Government
Scottish Pubs Code Adjudicator

Items and actions

Welcome and introductions

Chair opened the third meeting of the Forum and welcomed attendees.
New member from Scottish Pubs Code Adjudicator was introduced.
Public Sector Reform representative attended as an observer.

Updates were noted on recent Scottish Government ministerial appointments and emerging Public Service Reform structures. 

Review of previous minutes and actions

Minutes from the previous meeting were approved, subject to a minor amendment to a member’s title.

Actions were either completed or ongoing, with the work plan remaining in development pending ministerial priorities. 

Terms of Reference

The updated Terms of Reference were agreed without objection.
It was noted that this is a living document and may be updated as the forum evolves. 

Code of Practice review

An updated draft Code of Practice was presented, incorporating over 150 stakeholder comments.

Feedback was broadly positive, with further discussion focused on:

• Language and clarity: Concerns raised about use of “independent” vs “impartial” in governance and appeals processes.
• Economic growth: Members highlighted the need to reflect regulators’ role as contributing to, rather than delivering, sustainable economic growth.
• Statutory duties: Requests to soften language where it may conflict with existing legal frameworks.
• Risk and outcomes: Suggestions to strengthen references to outcome‑focused regulation.
• Compliance emphasis: Recommendation to reinstate clear messaging that the Code is not a licence for non-compliance.

Officials agreed to refine language to balance regulatory duties, proportionality, and the aim of supporting a pro-growth environment.

Further written comments were requested by 4 June 2026, with the intention to submit a revised version to Ministers later in the year. 

SEPA Update – Environmental Authorisation (Scotland) Regulations

SEPA delivered a presentation on implementation of the Environmental Authorisation (Scotland) Regulations 2018. 

Members welcomed the presentation and discussed:

• Opportunities for shared learning across regulators
• Application of proportionality and administrative simplification
• Potential future sessions on related programmes (e.g. Food Standards Scotland “safer” programme)

Any other business

None raised.